HERCULES, CA--(Marketwire - October 31, 2012) - Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO) and (NYSE: BIO.B), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products today announced that they have acquired a new cell sorting system from Propel Labs. Under the terms of agreement, Bio-Rad has acquired an automated, easy-to-use benchtop sorting flow cytometer. The instrument will be offered by Bio-Rad as the S3™ Cell Sorter. First shipments are anticipated in January 2013. Other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Due to their size, complexity, and maintenance, cell sorting instruments have been traditionally found in shared research service facilities. The compact size, ease-of-use, and affordability of the S3 Cell Sorter offer individual researchers the ability to conduct cell sorting on their benchtop.

"With this acquisition, we benefit from Propel Labs' years of expertise in cell sorting," said Brad Crutchfield, President, Life Science Group at Bio-Rad. "The S3 Cell Sorter fits in well with Bio-Rad's existing product workflow and will offer researchers greater access to targeting specific cells in their experiments and ultimately increasing the sensitivity of their assays."

About Bio-RadBio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO) and (NYSE: BIO.B) has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 100,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs over 7,100 people globally and had revenues exceeding $2 billion in 2011. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.

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